Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump terminated Attorney-General Pam Bondi amid escalating criticism of her management of documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Bondi, a steadfast Trump ally who defended him during his 2020 impeachment and election challenges, faced mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers and allies over her handling of the late financier’s records. Trump announced the move via Truth Social, stating Bondi would transition to a “much needed and important new job in the private sector,” though no specifics were provided. Bondi, in an X post, vowed to “continue fighting for President Trump and this Administration,” calling her DOJ tenure “the honor of a lifetime.” Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney in Biden-era DoJ cases, will temporarily replace her. This marks the second cabinet ouster this year, following Kristi Noem’s removal as Homeland Security Secretary.

Bondi’s dismissal underscores internal tensions within Trump’s circle over allegations of inadequate oversight in the Epstein probe, which involved connections to influential figures. Her tenure saw her champion Trump’s legal battles, including efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The abrupt exit raises questions about loyalty and governance within the administration.

Elsewhere, India’s central bank barred non-deliverable rupee derivatives to stabilize the currency after an oil price surge linked to the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Taliban representatives held Taliban-ruled Afghanistan peace talks in China, the first direct negotiations since December. Blue Owl Capital faced a $5.4bn redemption crisis, capping withdrawals after investor panic, while Tesla reported a sales slump leaving 50,000 unsold vehicles.

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